Diet and massage therapy can work in conjunction to provide an array of benefits ranging from weight loss to a calmer outlook. Both make you feel healthier --- that is, if you follow the right diet for you and find a good massage therapist. In many ways, diet and massage can be viewed as preventative medicine. Though they may be used as healing techniques, they also work to stave off sickness stemming from age, stress or bacteria.
Alleviate Stress
Stress is a common complaint among those who work long hours, and both diet and massage can help reduce strain and fatigue. Certain foods --- such as greens, flax seeds and eggs --- are energizing, while others such as coffee, refined foods, and alcohol, are depleting. The latter causes stress on the adrenals and pancreas. Massage should be considered a "stress management tool" according to Eve Adamson in her book, "365 Ways to Reduce Stress." The effects massage has on both the mind and body include triggering the parasympathetic nervous system, which oversees rest and repair.
Fight Disease
A healthy diet and massage both build the immune system, which means they can help provide increased protection against disease. Eating food that is high in vitamins and minerals, contains essential fatty acids and is fresh is essential to good health and strong immunity. According to several studies, massage has a positive effect on the immune system, notes Whitney Lowe in her book, "Orthopedic Massage: Theory and Technique." Together, diet and massage are great preventative measures against anything from the common cold to autoimmune disorders.
Increases Tissue Healing
Another benefit for the body that both diet and massage provide is the healing of tissue. Foods high in vitamin A, such as fish and carrots, encourage tissue healing according to Amy Rost in her book, "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know How." Also helpful are foods high in zinc, vitamin E and vitamin C. Massage acts to heal torn tissue by decreasing pain, decreasing swelling and restoring range of motion, according to Mary Beth Braun in her book, "Introduction to Massage Therapy."
Increased Energy
Both diet and exercise can also increase your overall energy. Following a diet that contains easy-to-digest foods such as steamed vegetables and fermented sauerkraut provides power-packed nutrition to the cells without overworking the stomach. Eating heavy foods such as fatty steaks or cream-filled sauces slows down the digestion, making you feel sluggish. Massage also can cause an energy boost by activating and balancing the entire body, according to Joan Budilovsky in her book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Massage." This is partly due to the elimination of wastes and toxins that occurs during a massage.
References
- "365 Ways to Reduce Stress"; Eve Adamson; 2009
- "Orthopedic Massage: Theory and Technique"; Whitney Lowe; 2009
- "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know How"; Amy Rost; 2009
- "Introduction to Massage Therapy"; Mary Beth Braun; 2007
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Massage"; Joan Budilovsky; 1998
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